Genesis G80 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Genesis G80
From $104,200
Sedan
Petrol
2.5L turbo four-cylinder (T-GDi)
224kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
424L
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
From $66,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
100kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
405L
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Price Breakdown
The Genesis G80 starts from $104,200 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $66,500. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $37,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $114,620 and $73,150 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $5,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis G80 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Genesis G80 uses a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder (T-GDi) producing 224kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.
The Genesis G80 has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis G80 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Genesis G80 measures 5,005mm long on a 3,010mm wheelbase, 282mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,723mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 424L in the Genesis G80 and 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Genesis G80 a 19L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,565/year for the Genesis G80 and $1,539/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $1,026 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Genesis G80) vs $1,539 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $1,026 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Genesis G80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Genesis G80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis G80 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $1,026 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Genesis G80 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $66,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis G80 by $37,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Genesis G80 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Genesis G80 has the largest boot at 424L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis G80 makes the most power at 224kW. The Genesis G80 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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